Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves everyone at the dinner table disappointed? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with the most effortless, mouthwatering Baked Chicken Breasts in Crockpot recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor! This American-style dish is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner solution that will have your family thinking you've secretly hired a professional chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure better seasoning adherence and prevents excess liquid in the crockpot.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat each breast thoroughly.
- Lightly grease the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier later.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping too much for even cooking.
- Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken breasts, being careful not to wash off the seasoning. The broth will help keep the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optional: If desired, you can use the remaining liquid in the crockpot to create a quick sauce by whisking in a little cornstarch or reducing it on the stovetop.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help the ranch seasoning stick better and prevent excess moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) - no more guesswork!
- Don't lift the crockpot lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can increase cooking time.
- For extra flavor, try using homemade ranch seasoning instead of a packet for a more personalized touch.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the chicken in the oven after crockpot cooking for a golden finish.
- Leftover chicken can be easily shredded and used in salads, sandwiches, or tacos for quick meal prep throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg